As a dynamic gateway connecting China to the world, Hong Kong plays a crucial role in the “Belt and Road Initiative”, creating opportunities for its creative sectors. With a strong foundation in innovation and a proud legacy of promoting art and culture, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) proudly presents the two-day “Threads of Unity: Belt and Road Fashion Gala”, which brings together a dazzling fashion gala, exhibition, cultural lecture and workshop that celebrate creativity, artistic collaboration, technology, and Chinese cultural heritage.
Jointly-organised by the School of Fashion and Textiles, the Faculty of Humanities, and the Confucius Institute, this vibrant gala features designers and professionals from 30 regions along the Belt and Road routes, spanning Asia, Europe, the Americas, Africa, and Oceania. Attendees will enjoy a captivating fashion show on campus showcasing over 60 unique outfits that merge modern fashion with traditional Chinese motifs as well as local cultural symbols, complemented by an exhibition highlighting both traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design. Additionally, the event includes a cultural lecture and workshop to deepen exchanges and promote mutual learning.
Key highlights of the two-day event include:
1. Fashion Show
A celebration of international collaboration, featuring over 60 unique outfits by designers from 30 Belt and Road regions, blending traditional craftsmanship with local cultural symbols. Registration is required.
Date: 28 November 2025 (Friday)
Time: 6 pm – 7.20 pm
Location: University Square, PolyU
Register now by completing the Online Registration Form by 21 November 2025 (Friday), please click HERE.
2. Exhibition booths
A showcase of traditional arts, crafts, and contemporary designs from diverse regions. All are welcome.
Date: 28 & 29 November 2025 (Friday & Saturday)
Time: 4 pm – 6 pm (28 Nov); 11 am – 5 pm (29 Nov)
Location: Podium (CF & FJ wings), PolyU
3. Culture Lecture
Given by expert scholar Professor Zhao Yi, Assistant Professor of the Department of Chinese History and Culture (CHC) from PolyU, the lecture “Buddhism and Trade: Material Interactions along the Silk Routes” will explore the rich connections between culture and commerce along the Silke Routes. Registration is required.
Date: 29 November 2025 (Saturday)
Time: 9 am – 11 am
Location: ST111, PolyU
Register now by completing the online registration form by 21 November 2025 (Friday), please click HERE.
4. Workshop
This natural dye workshop, led by Professor Guan Lansheng from Beijing Union University, offers participants an engaging experience to co-create fashion accessories inspired by Silk Road elements. This workshop is by exclusive invitation only.
Date: 29 November 2025 (Saturday)
Time: 11 am – 1 pm
Location: Fashion Gallery, PolyU
Participating countries /cities include:
Chinese Mainland cities
1. Beijing (Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology)
2. Hong Kong (Fashion Brand)
3. Macao (The Macau Productivity and Technology Transfer Center; Macau Fashion Design Industry Association)
4. Xi’an (Xi’an Polytechnic University)
Asia
5. Bangladesh (University of Dhaka)
6. Indonesia (Fashion Designer)
7. Jordan (The University of Jordan)
8. Kazakhstan (Fashion Designer)
9. Korea (Hanyang University; Yonsei university)
10. Laos (Fashion Brand)
11. Malaysia (Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology)
12. Mongolia (Fashion Designer)
13. Pakistan (National University of Sciences and Technology)
14. Philippines (Fashion Designer)
15. Sri Lanka (Fashion Designer)
16. Thailand (Chiang Mai University; Mahasarakham University)
17. Türkiye (Istanbul Technical University)
18. United Arab Emirates (Canadian University Dubai)
19. Vietnam (University of Art and Design)
Europe
20. Azerbaijan (Azerbaijan State University of Economics)
21. Belarus (Belarusian State University)
22. Georgia (Georgian Technical University)
23. Hungary (Moholy-Nagy University of Art and Design; Fashion Brand)
24. Russia (Peoples' Friendship University of Russia named after Patrice Lumumba)
Americas
25. Argentina (Fashion Brand)
Africa
26. Madagascar (Fashion Designer)
27. Nigeria (Fashion Designer)
28. Rwanda (Kigali Models Academy)
29. Zimbabwe (Fashion Brand)
Oceania
30. Fiji (Fiji National University)
The Threads of Unity: Belt and Road Fashion Gala is a flagship event of the PolyU Chinese Culture Festival 2025. This annual initiative celebrates the richness of Chinese culture and heritage, aiming to deepen understanding among the younger generation and the wider community. It also seeks to strengthen pride in national identity and promote Hong Kong as an East-meets-West hub for international cultural exchange.
